Eight fire engines at scene of Brighton city centre blaze

East Sussex Fire said firefighters from Preston Circus, Hove, Roedean, Lewes and Barcombe, as well as firefighters from Lewes and Heathfield were battling the flames in North Street, Brighton.

A fire service spokesman said the fire, in a commercial building in the city centre, started at 5.13am.

Six crews were originally called to the scene but this was increased to eight at 7am.

The fire was extinguished by about 8am.

Crews used an aerial ladder platform, two main jets and four breathing apparatus to extinguish the flames.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The road has been closed in both directions and will remain closed while investigations take place. Brighton and Hove Buses said: "Due to an on going fire down North Street we are currently having to divert our services. Westbound services are diverting via the seafront and West Street. Whilst eastbound services are diverting via Queens Road and North Road returning to normal route at Old Steine."

People have been advised to avoid to the area.